American moving to Scotland

Hi, I am thinking about moving to Scotland but I'm not sure if it's just that simple.

Can I just move from here to live there or do I need a valid reason? I know that moving to live in USA is extremely hard, and I'm not sure how it works the other way around.

Also, can a person getting minimum wage rent a decent apartment? By decent I mean a 1 room, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom and 1 living room, or something like that.

Give me some thoughts and opinions. I'm not sure when I will move, but probably somewhere in the next 5 years or so. I'm also not sure what part of Scotland, but I was thinking something a little close to the hillsides.

It is just as hard either way. Red tape and all that. The first thing to do is decide exactly what you want to do. Then seek advice from the nearest British Consulate or Embassy. I feel sure they will have web sites that would give the required information.

You have not specified a skill, trade or profession, which, if in demand in Scotland, would significantly enhance your earning potential. It would also significantly speed up the process of transition.

A one bedroomed flat, which is what you are describing, at the lower end of the market could be got for around £100.00. Then utilities bills would also have to be paid.

Current exchange rate: - £ 1.00 = $1.54

Wherever in Scotland you decided to settle you would be close to hills, in most parts actually on hills.

I hope this will be of some help to you and wish you well in your quest.

This post looks strangely familiar. With unemployment there, you have to be Tier 2 which is highly specialized. You can be a student, but can only work 20 hours a week. You have to be offered a job before you can apply for a work visa.

This post looks strangely familiar. With unemployment there, you have to be Tier 2 which is highly specialized. You can be a student, but can only work 20 hours a week. You have to be offered a job before you can apply for a work visa.

So, basically, there's no chance to move over there unless I'm specialized in something?

They have high unemployment at the moment. As jobs go. UK citizens get first round, then EU members, then foreigners. So, you get picked if they can't find anyone in the UK or European Union.... then I'm sure there's the process of them justifying. If you're tier 2, the UK government acknowledges that these fields have shortages so great that they can't be filled by UK or EU and there's not that huge justification process that has to be resolved.